Dr. Drew — like the rest of the world — is having trouble processing why Jussie Smollett would stage an “attack” … but one thing’s clear to the doc … it’s more about character than mental health.

The doc was out and about Thursday in NYC and raised the issue of Jussie going to a rehab facility, in light of the actor confessing in court documents he has a drug problem. Fact is … criminal defense lawyers often put their clients in rehab to mitigate the possibility of a harsh sentence in the event they’re convicted. It wouldn’t be surprising if Jussie enters such a facility sooner rather than later.

Drew also bristles at the notion Jussie’s done in the Hollywood community. Not only does he see a future for the actor … he thinks he deserves a future, because everyone screws up.